The Guide to Malta’s International Airport
While the airport in Malta is not large by any measure, it can be a little dis-orienting to newcomers so here are a few tips for anyone who ventures that far south.
First of all, if you’re planning on travelling to Malta, you should know that Malta has only 1 airport so you do not need to worry about whether your favourite low-cost carrier flies to an oddly located airport.
Arrivals
- As you dis-embark and enter the building, you have a five-minute walk or so until you reach the baggage carousel. Arrivals from the Schengen zone will not go through passport control but all others will.
- There are bank machines available for you before you get to the baggage carousel. While there are more machines after you exit customs, now is a good time to get some cash if you haven’t already done so.
- Bags take a little longer to get there than people do but the convenient shop based right behind the carousel will keep you occupied. One warning though – while this is convenient for last-minute presents, you will find cheaper items in supermarkets around the island.
- Wi-Fi is available all over the airport building and is free.
- Once you clear customs and get out, you will find a large number of people in the arrivals zone. Ignore them and cross the concourse to get outside and get into a taxi. Make sure you agree on a fee to your destination beforehand. If you arrive during the day, you could catch a bus to the capital city but the service can be erratic on some days.
Departures
- There aren’t that many check-in desks but if you have already checked in then a dedicated “web check-in” desk can be used depending on which airline you’re travelling with.
- If you’re running late, head to security first. While there is a well-stocked newsagent next to the check-in desks, there is an equally well-stocked one after security.
- The cafeteria in the departures zone is not the best that there is. If you have time, head up to Level 3 and use the diner there. The food is better than the fast-food joints you find on Level -1.
- Electrical points are few and far but the free wi-fi can be incredibly useful.
- Once past security, you’ll notice that the gates are all within 1-minute’s walk of one another. Do keep an eye on the information screens though as some airlines will not wait for you if you don’t turn up on time!